The Battle of Midway Enterprise Remembers: Part Two

June 5, 2012 Issue“We are Legend”Special Edition 2 of 3

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

The Shuttle

The Battle of Midway

Enterprise Remembers: Part Two

Tuesday, June 5, 2012Page 2 The Shuttle

Enterprise at Midway: Part 2 of 3 Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian G. ReynoldsUSS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – As the U.S. Navy continues to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) are focusing on the vital contributions the first Big E (CV 6) made toward a U.S. victory in the battle widely regarded as the turning point of World War II. At its most basic, the Battle of Midway can be viewed as the victory of a U.S. Navy force, led by three aircraft carriers (USS Hornet (CV 8), USS Yorktown (CV 5) and USS Enterprise (CV 6), over four carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy (Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, and Hiryu). However, this summary may blur the heroic roles of the vessels and their Sailors – specifically the legendary role played by Enterprise, her air wing and her crew. “Midway was truly a turning point,” said Capt. William Hamilton, current commanding officer of USS Enterprise (CVN 65). “It came at a time when our backs were up against the wall. It was do or die, and the crew of the Enterprise (and her air wing) came through.” In an effort to strike first during the Battle of Midway, Enterprise’s 6th Air Group sent up 10 F-4F Wildcat fighter planes to escort 14 TBD Devastator torpedo planes and 35 SBD Dauntless Bombers in search of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Of the aircraft launched that June 4, 1942, morning, 31 would never return to Enterprise.

The Hornet’s Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8), led by Lt. Cmdr. Waldron, was the first to find the Japanese carriers. Waldron’s squadron launched their torpedoes as every plane was shot down by Japanese fighters. As smoke rose on the

horizon from this battle, Lt. Cmdr. Gene Lindsey’s Torpedo Squadron 6 (VT-6), embarked aboard Enterprise, found the Japanese carriers. Again, every plane launched their torpedoes despite heavy Japanese fire. As a result of the Japanese resistance, 10 out of 14 U.S. planes were lost – including Lindsey’s. No Japanese ships were sunk. As the Japanese planes were refueling aboard their carriers, bombers from Enterprise and Hornet finally found their targets. Commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Wade McClusky, Enterprise Bomber Squadron 6 and Scouting Squadron 6 plummeted from an altitude of 20,000 feet to find their targets, the Japanese aircraft carriers Akagi and Kaga. As many as eight bombs smashed into Kaga. One bomb, launched by Lt. Cmdr. Richard Best’s plane, hit Akagi, setting off munitions in the hangar bay. In five minutes, Enterprise bombers destroyed two Japanese aircraft carriers. Meanwhile, bombers from Yorktown inflicted such heavy damage on Soryu that it sank later that evening. “It was because of McClusky’s courage, perseverance and some luck that his air wing made such a crucial contribution to the outcome at Midway,” said Capt. Jeffrey L. Trent, the current commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, Enterprise’s embarked air wing. As Hiryu escaped, it launched a counterattack that inflicted heavy damage on Yorktown. Bombers from Yorktown’s Bombing Squadron 3 (VB-3) flew to

The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and bi-weekly in port by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Media Department, FPO AE 09543-2810. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Please direct all story ideas, questions and comments to MC1 (SW) Steve Smith at [email protected].

Public Affairs OfficerLt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler

Executive OfficerCapt. G. C. Huffman

Commanding OfficerCapt. William C. Hamilton, Jr.

EditorsMC2 (SW) Kristin L. Grover MCSN Brian G. Reynolds

The Shuttle

USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

Command Master Chief CMDCM (AW/SW) Dwayne E. Huff

History of the Battle of Midway

Tuesday, June 5, 2012 Page 3The Shuttle

History of the Battle of MidwayEnterprise’s flight deck, as its crew worked feverishly to repair the damage. Enterprise combined forces with the remaining planes from Yorktown to defend it from a second Japanese attack, but could not stop it from sinking the carrier. A squadron, consisting of aircraft from both the Big E and Yorktown, launched from Enterprise’s flight deck June 4 at 5:03 p.m. The squadrons scored a mortal wound on Hiryu and left it a smoldering hunk of steel. Enterprise aircraft took credit for three of the four Japanese carriers destroyed that day. “It was a battle that clearly displayed the ability of carrier aviation to project power from the sea, foreshadowing the invaluable contributions our carrier Navy and its embarked air wings continue to bring to the

world’s oceans to this day,” said Trent. On June 5, Big E aircraft scored two more hits, sinking the Japanese cruiser Mikumi and damaging the cruiser Mogami. During the Battle of Midway, 307 Americans lost their lives, including crew members and pilots from Enterprise. Although the aviators of Midway were integral to the eventual American victory at Midway, the battle took a heavy toll on the air wing. “Carrier aviation’s ability to deliver credible combat power, an enduring value today, did not come without a cost,” said Trent. “Of the 77 aircraft that comprised the Enterprise air wing, 31 were lost during the Battle of Midway.” Their sacrifices helped achieve a later American

victory against Japan during World War II that historian Walter Lord calls highly improbable. “By ordinary standards, they were hopelessly outclassed,” said Lord. “They had no right to win. Yet they did, and in doing so, changed the course of a war.” Enterprise changed command nine days after it arrived back in Pearl Harbor on June 13, 1942. Outgoing Commanding Officer Capt. George Murray had this to say to incoming CO Capt. Arthur Davis: “Our goal has been, is and will be the destruction of the enemy … the success we have achieved and those that lie ahead could not be realized without the teamwork and mutual good will which signify so essentially the Enterprise spirit … Captain Davis, I relinquish this command with regret. I am confident you will find the ship one of the great ships of our time – and the ship’s company the finest.” Enterprise would go on to win 20 battle stars during World War II, proudly achieving the title of the most decorated warship in U.S. Navy history. This inspired the building of a new Enterprise, which carries the namesake to this day. Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 continue the legacy of the Enterprise namesake in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility as the carrier continues its 22nd and final deployment, adding to a legend begun more than 70 years ago. This is part two of a three-part series. Check tomorrow for more on USS Enterprise’s (CV 6) role in the Battle of Midway and its cooperation with Destroyer Squadron TWO, a relationship that continues today, 70 years later.


Battle of Midway Wreath Laying Ceremony

Photo by MC2(SW/AW) Nick Scott

Photo by MCSN Gregory White

Photo by MC2(SW) Brooks B. Patton Jr.





Battle of Midway Wreath Laying Ceremony

Photo by MCSN Randy J. Savarese


Photo by MC2(SW/AW) Nick Scott


Photo by MCSN Randy J. Savarese



Big E HappeningsEnterprise Commemoratesthe Battle of MidwayStory by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Britney EppsUSS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway with a ceremony conducted early in the morning June 4, a fitting tribute given the ship’s close ties to the battle. The previous USS Enterprise, CV-6, and her air wing played a vital role in the pivotal World War II battle that took place June 4-7, 1942. The Battle of Midway is widely regarded as the turning point of the war in the Pacific. “On this day in 1942, the entire complexion of the war in the Pacific changed,” said Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr., Enterprise’s commanding officer, as he addressed the current Enterprise crew during the ceremony. “Thanks in no small part to the efforts of those serving aboard Enterprise.” Along with Enterprise, aircraft carriers USS Hornet (CV 8) and USS Yorktown (CV 5), along with U.S. Strike forces, defeated the Imperial Japanese navy carrier task force under the direction of Commander in Chief of the Japanese Combined Fleet, Admiral Yamamoto. Japanese losses during the battle were staggering. The Japanese Navy lost all four of the large carriers that had attacked Pearl Harbor, a heavy cruiser, 248 carrier-based aircraft and over 3,000 lives, including 100 trained pilots who could not be replaced. Enterprise and her air wing were credited with three of the four Japanese carriers sunk that day at Midway. “We were not without losses of our own, however,” said Rear Adm. Ted Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group. “Although Enterprise was not attacked during the

MIDWAY continued on page 7

Photo by ISC Daniel Mayfield

Photo by ISC Daniel Mayfield


MIDWAY continuedbattle, her air wing suffered the heaviest losses of any air wing at sea up to that point.” At the opening of the ceremony, Carter described the heroic roles of the Sailors and Marines who fought and died during the historic battle. “This morning, we pause for a few moments to reflect on the battle itself, the role each member of the Enterprise Strike Group played, and the sacrifices Sailors and Marines just like you made on those early days of June 1942,” Carter told the crew. Hamilton, Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, Capt. Jeffrey L. Trent and Commodore, Destroyer Squadron Two, Capt. Joseph J. Leonard also spoke about the roles Enterprise, the air wing and the destroyer strike group played during the battle. “Knowing this is our legacy, it is an absolute honor and privilege to remember the heroes of the Battle of Midway aboard our nation’s most historic and legendary aircraft carrier, a great warship with a long-standing bond with Destroyer Squadron Two,” said Leonard. The partnership between Enterprise and Destroyer Squadron Two began at Midway 70 years ago and continues today.

Big E Happenings

Marine Aviators Defend MidwayUSS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – It is no secret that the decisive victory at Midway in June, 1942 was a great example of two carrier air groups working cohesively. However, what is not as blatantly obvious is that Marine aviators also played a vital role in one of the most pivotal battles in world history. In early June, 1942, the Japanese Empire was at the height of its expansion. As the Japanese forces continued to expand throughout Asia and the Pacific, they set their sights on the tiny island of Midway. The Japanese sought to use the island to prevent U.S. forces from being able to regulate the Pacific sea routes, thus allowing the Japanese to expand further into Southeast Asia and beyond. As U.S. Naval forces prepared

Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brian G. Reynolds

for maritime and air combat engagements, Marine ground and aviation forces were also poised to defend the island at all costs. The Marine aviators of VMF-221 and VMSB-241 carried out the brunt of the early attacks on the Japanese aircraft and surface ships. VMF-221, led by Maj. Floyd B. Parks, was sent to engage the enemy aircraft and suffered heavy losses in the initial onslaught. Of the 12 Buffalo aircraft that flew into combat, only one survived. However, the Japanese forces were unsuccessful in achieving their goal because of the bravery of the Marine aviators of VMF-221. VMSB-241, led by Maj. Lofton R. Henderson, engaged the enemy carriers and destroyers. Aircraft from the squadron attacked a Japanese Kaga-class carrier and the battleship

Haruna. The Marine aviators attacked in vigorous intensity against overwhelming odds, but scored no direct hits. Both Marine squadrons suffered heavy casualties during the Battle of Midway. Over half of the pilots from VMSB-241 were killed, including Henderson. VMF-221 also lost the majority of the aircraft and pilots that participated in the battle. However, the aviators fought with an aggressiveness that is the embodiment of the Marine Corps. The Marine aviators that fought and died in the Battle of Midway, did so with a tenacity that would mark the initial momentum that led to victory. The Marines successfully contributed to defending the island and thus turning the tide in the Pacific.

As part of the commemoration, Enterprise’s First Class Petty Officer Association, detailed by Command Master Chief Dwayne E. Huff, performed a wreath-laying ceremony on the fantail aboard the ship. The fallen Sailors and Marines were also honored with a 21-gun salute and the sounding of Taps, played by Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Timothy Lumpkin. “While we look back on the incredible achievements of Midway and reflect on what it took for those Sailors to win, we should also look forward with great confidence,” said Carter. “Midway taught us that this strength is not built upon technology and training, but rather brave, passionate Sailors and Marines just like you.” On June 3, aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 performed a missing-man flyover formation to commemorate the aviators who lost during the battle. Throughout the course of the day Enterprise went on to announce a historical timeline recounting the events of the Battle of Midway over the ship’s 1MC announcing system. “You preserve and celebrate the rich history and tradition of Enterprise,” said Carter. “It is our past that has brought us to today and our past that will continue to shape our future,” said Carter.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012The ShuttlePage 8

Big E Entertainment

ACROSS1. Stop5. Automaton10. Destiny14. Away from the wind15. Avoid16. Atop17. A soft sheepskin leather18. Judge20. Slender stem-like

structure22. Thought23. Many millennia24. Literary genre25. Myopic32. Ancient Roman magistrate33. Beset34. Big wine holder37. Countercurrent

38. Unsuccessful person39. Scrabble piece40. Female deer41. Legions42. False front43. Testimony45. Sir, in India49. East southeast50. Supply53. Express strong disapproval57. Aggravation59. Affirm60. Carryall61. Exhaust62. Equipment63. Visual organs64. Slightly intoxicated65. Terminates

DOWN 1. Male deer2. Found in some lotions3. Low-fat4. In an affectionate manner5. Third sign of the zodiac6. Egg-shaped7. Delay8. Modify9. Netting10. Uproar11. 3-banded armadillo

12. Clan emblem13. Colonic 19. Woman’s undergarment21. Thorny flower25. Require26. Cocoyam27. Assistant28. Specter29. Urgency30. Amount of hair31. Mistake34. 8 in Roman numerals35. As well36. Adolescent38. A parcel of land39. Instruction 41. Ritual42. Shocked reaction44. Very small45. Seasoning46. Orderly grouping47. Steed48. Wall climbers51. Wacky52. Decorative case53. Accomplishes54. Baking appliance55. Absorb written material56. Makes a mistake58. Evil spirit

Documents

The Battle of Midway Enterprise Remembers: Part Two